Defence research has been undertaken at Porton Down for more than 80 years, although its activities and role in the UK defence has evolved over this period. Since the late 1950s its central role has been to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threats posed by chemical and biological weapons. The fruits of some of the outstanding research were realised during the Gulf conflict of late 1990 and early 1991 and more recently to support further operations in the Gulf region.